Our Christmas Story

Walking into Christmas 2011, I was very aware of a growing desire to focus on Jesus' birth over everything that usually takes up the majority of our time and attention. I know that it will be a process trying to figure out how to make this desire come true, but we put in place a few new things that I think set the scene for Walker Christmases to come. Instead of reading the real Christmas story the night before, we joined in on reading it first thing in the morning. All the kids gathered on the front steps at Gran and O'Pa's house, and Wes read from Luke 2. We then went into the kitchen to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and eat a piece of birthday cake. (Pretty sure only one or two actually wanted cake that early, but a cool tradition I think.) During the cousin gift exchange, we aunts tried to focus on the giving rather than the receiving. The Benton Walker kids went first and gave out their cousin gifts, and so on. I liked that, and although several little ones had a hard time with it, I think over time they will all get it and appreciate what we are doing. A few other traditions were put into place, but really, Wes and I just tried to downplay some of the things that could take the excitement off of celebrating Jesus' birth and brainstormed some possible opportunities to share Christ's love with others in the years to come. 

All that to say, it was a Christmas FULL of love and family. Lots of both of those. I'm going to just list our 6 days in Conway and how they were packed with celebrations...and a TON of driving back and forth between the Frost and Walker homes. 

Tuesday, December 20: Drove to Conway and visited with some really fun out of state Walker family.

Wednesday, December 21: I had lunch with a few high school friends, I shopped with the out of state folks, Wes took Reese to the Walker house for hang out time with the men, and then we put Reese to bed at the Frost house before our big Walker dinner and Christmas #1. Wes and I went back to the Frost house for bed.

Thursday, December 22: Lunch at Stoby's (Reese's first trip!), Trivial Pursuit at the Frost house, Big Creek party at night.

Friday, December 23: A pretty lazy day if I remember correctly. Naps, cooking, and some sweet little family shopping I think. Or maybe that happened on Thursday. These days kind of ran together. This was night #1 at the Walker house though.

Saturday, December 24: No, this was the day we went shopping I think. Regardless, we went to the Christmas Eve service at Fellowship Bible Church in Conway, and then put Reese to bed at the Walker house before Wes and I went to my house for canneloni (YUM) and gifts with my parents, brother, and Lovemore. We were OVERWHELMED with gifts as always. Wes and I got back to his house around 11:45 and stayed up a bit later chatting with Benton and Jenny Beth. Nights like these are my favorites of the entire year.

Sunday, December 25: Woke up around 7:30 and started celebrating Jesus' birth. Reese opened a few gifts from Gran and O'Pa and mommy and daddy, and then we slowly made our way to the Frost house for the incredible Christmas Day brunch and gifts with my grandmother, great-aunt, and Buzz and Cathie. (A quick shout out to Wes --aka the best gift giver EVER--He donated a sheep in my name through Heifer International because I had asked him to donate money he would spend on me. I was having a hard time coming up with what I wanted, so I figured it should just be donated. But of course my selfishness came a couple days after I made this request, and I asked for a gift card for my new favorite store Altar'd State. So...Wes got me that, too. He used scripture to support both of those gifts, and I love the meaning behind them. Oh, and then he surprised me with a "family gift" he had bought. And iPad2 complete with the car headrest case for Reese. Ahhhh.) We spent time with my family that afternoon, and then we made our way back to the Walker home for more gifts now that the WHOLE family was there, and then we had a great dinner to end the day. 

Monday, December 26: A slow, restful day. The three of us drove home late in the afternoon, and I unpacked everything while Wes went to the grocery store. A fabulous day for sure.

The pictures.

 The girls by their stockings at Christmas #1. 

 Reese ready for Big Creek Christmas. Isn't she CUTE?!

 Reesey and Daddy.

 Big Creek Kids.

 This horse was my brother's, and I'm pretty sure it's Reese's favorite toy. She stands in front of it, and signs please until someone gets her going.

 Reese with Mopsy and Popsy.

 Lunch time with Uncle Allen.

 Reese getting ready for the Christmas Eve service.

 Frost family picture.

 The kiddos after church.

 Merry Christmas morning!!!

 Happy Birthday, Jesus!

 She loves her daddy.

 This girl has to eat before she opens presents.

 Just look at that sweet face...and that sweet dress.

 A pink Rody! Oh, Gran and O'Pa, you shouldn't have!

 Playing with Marion. Future BFF's.

 Christmas carols with Allen and Cathie.

 Mopsy's boiled custard. She's a fan.

 Checking out some of her new toys from Mopsy and popsy. Oh, and Rody made the cross-town trip, too.

 She likes Christmas Day.

 Daddy loves his little girl.

 I love my family.

 Frost family pic.

 An action shot of Christmas #4.

 Reese is not used to so many people.

Gran and O'Pa with all of their grandkids...minus napping Reese. Maybe I'll try out my new Photoshop to work her in the picture.